Is the Kai Ken Better than the Saint Bernard as a Pet? Answer…

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Kai Ken Versus Saint Bernard: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Kai Ken and the Saint Bernard? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Kai Ken and the Saint Bernard better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Kai Ken and the Saint Bernard.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Kai Ken and the Saint Bernard is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Kai Ken and for the Saint Bernard. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Kai Ken and the Saint Bernard.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Kai Ken or the Saint Bernard.

Kai Ken versus Saint Bernard: Overview

A very important difference between the Kai Ken and the Saint Bernard is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Kai Ken is a medium-sized dog while the Saint Bernard is a giant-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Kai Ken belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

On the other hand, the Saint Bernard belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

Kai Ken versus Saint Bernard: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Kai Ken to the Saint Bernard based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Kai Ken and the Saint Bernard

Factor Kai Ken Saint Bernard
Life Span 12 to 16 years 8 to 10 years
Height 17 to 22 inches 2 feet, 2 inches to 2 feet, 6 inches tall at the s
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Easygoing 4/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 1/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 5/5
Weight 25 to 45 pounds 120 to 180 pounds
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 1/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Easy To Train 3/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 9.0 years
Price Range No Data $875 – $1525
Average Price No Data $1320
Temperament Score 100.0 percent 84.9 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation – Min Age 24 Months
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Elbow Dysplasia – Min Age 24 Months
  • Eye Examination – Min Age 22 Months
  • Hip Dysplasia – Min Age 24 Months
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Kai Ken in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Saint Bernard. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Kai Ken is 73 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Saint Bernard is 81 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Saint Bernard is a better pet than the Kai Ken. So, you should get the Saint Bernard!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Kai Ken and the Saint Bernard so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Kai Ken and the Saint Bernard

    Below is a list of where the Kai Ken and the Saint Bernard are most different:

  • Kai Kens are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Saint Bernards are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Kai Kens do not have the tendency to drool. However, Saint Bernards have a very high tendency to drool.
  • Kai Kens have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Saint Bernards have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Kai Kens require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise. However, Saint Bernards have low exercise needs.
  • The Similarities Between the Kai Ken and the Saint Bernard

    The Kai Ken and the Saint Bernard are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Kai Ken and the Saint Bernard are most similar:

  • Both the Kai Ken and the Saint Bernard do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Kai Ken and the Saint Bernard are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Kai Ken and the Saint Bernard require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • Both the Kai Ken and the Saint Bernard are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the Kai Ken and the Saint Bernard are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Kai Ken and the Saint Bernard can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Kai Ken and the Saint Bernard are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Kai Ken and the Saint Bernard get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Kai Ken and the Saint Bernard shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Kai Ken and the Saint Bernard are highly intelligent.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Kai Ken versus Saint Bernard

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Kai Ken and the Saint Bernard.

    Kai Kens weigh 25 to 45 pounds when fully grown. Kai Kens are 17 to 22 inches when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Saint Bernards weigh 120 to 180 pounds when fully grown. Saint Bernards are 2 feet, 2 inches to 2 feet, 6 inches tall at the s when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Kai Ken versus Saint Bernard

    The lifespan of Kai Kens is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Kai Kens is 14.0 years.

    The lifespan of Saint Bernards is between 8 to 10 years. The average lifespan of Saint Bernards is 9.0 years.

    Kai Kens live longer than Saint Bernards.

    Temperament of the Kai Ken Versus the Saint Bernard

    The Kai Ken has a better temperament than the Saint Bernard.

    This is because the temperament score for the Kai Ken is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the Saint Bernard is 84.9 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 100.0 percent, the Kai Ken has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 84.9 percent, the Saint Bernard has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Kai Ken and the Saint Bernard by measuring the temperaments of 1 Kai Kens and 53 Saint Bernards.

    Health Problems of Kai Ken versus Health Problems of Saint Bernard

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the Kai Ken and the Saint Bernard are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Saint Bernard is prone to more genetic health problems than the Kai Ken.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Saint Bernard than for the Kai Ken.

    2 health tests are recommended for Kai Ken while 6 tests are recommended for the Saint Bernard.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Kai Kens and in Saint Bernards.

    Kai Ken Health Problems

    Kai Kens are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Kai Ken puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Kai Ken puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Kai Ken breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Kai Kens for:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Kai Kens here.

    Saint Bernard Health Problems

    Saint Bernards are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Saint Bernard puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Saint Bernard puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Saint Bernard breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Saint Bernards for:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation – Min Age 24 Months
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Elbow Dysplasia – Min Age 24 Months
  • Eye Examination – Min Age 22 Months
  • Hip Dysplasia – Min Age 24 Months
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Saint Bernards here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Kai Ken versus Saint Bernard

    Kai Kens can be left alone only for a short time.

    Saint Bernards do not like to be left alone.

    Do Kai Kens shed more than Saint Bernards?

    Kai Kens shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Saint Bernards shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Kai Ken or the Saint Bernard

    Kai Kens do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Saint Bernards have a very high tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Kai Ken or the Saint Bernard?

    Kai Kens require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Saint Bernards require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Kai Ken Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Saint Bernard?

    Kai Kens have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Saint Bernards have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Do Kai Kens Bark and Howl? What about Saint Bernards?

    Kai Kens are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Saint Bernards are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Kai Kens Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Saint Bernards Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Kai Kens can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Saint Bernards can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Kai Ken vs. Saint Bernard

    Kai Kens have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Saint Bernards do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can Kai Kens Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Saint Bernards Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Kai Kens can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Saint Bernards cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Kai Ken or the Saint Bernard?

    Kai Kens get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Saint Bernards get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Kai Kens good family dogs? What about Saint Bernards?

    Kai Kens are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Saint Bernards are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Kai Kens and Saint Bernards?

    Kai Kens get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Saint Bernards get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Kai Ken Easier to Train than the Saint Bernard?

    Kai Kens are fairly easy to train.

    Saint Bernards are not easy to train.

    Is the Kai Ken Better for Apartment Owners than the Saint Bernard?

    Kai Kens do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Saint Bernards adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Kai Ken or the Saint Bernard?

    Kai Kens are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Saint Bernards are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Kai Ken

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Kai Ken that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Kai Ken:

  • Icelandic Sheepdog (78 percent match with Kai Ken). Here is our comparison of the Saint Bernard vs Icelandic Sheepdog.
  • Kishu Ken (79 percent match with Kai Ken). Here is our comparison of the Saint Bernard vs Kishu Ken.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Saint Bernard

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Saint Bernard that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Saint Bernard:

  • Newfoundland (68 percent match with Saint Bernard). Here is our comparison of the Kai Ken vs Newfoundland.
  • King Shepherd (71 percent match with Saint Bernard). Here is our comparison of the Kai Ken vs King Shepherd.
  • Spinone Italiano (68 percent match with Saint Bernard). Here is our comparison of the Kai Ken vs Spinone Italiano.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Kai Ken and how the Saint Bernard compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Kai Ken and of the Saint Bernard to other breeds:

    Kai Ken Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Kai Ken versus Patterdale Terrier     Kai Ken versus Shetland Sheepdog     Kai Ken versus Field Spaniel     Kai Ken versus Goldendoodle     Kai Ken versus Kerry Blue Terrier     Kai Ken versus Manchester Terrier     Kai Ken versus Tibetan Mastiff     Kai Ken versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Kai Ken versus Irish Setter     Kai Ken versus Spinone Italiano     Kai Ken versus Norwich Terrier     Kai Ken versus Mal Shi     Kai Ken versus Boykin Spaniel     Kai Ken versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Kai Ken versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Kai Ken versus Mudi     Kai Ken versus Sussex Spaniel     Kai Ken versus Pomsky     Kai Ken versus Bloodhound     Kai Ken versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Kai Ken versus French Spaniel     Kai Ken versus Borzoi     Kai Ken versus American Bulldog     Kai Ken versus Ibizan Hound     Kai Ken versus Bernese Mountain Dog     

    Saint Bernard Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Saint Bernard versus Harrier     Saint Bernard versus Norwegian Lundehund     Saint Bernard versus Sealyham Terrier     Saint Bernard versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Saint Bernard versus French Spaniel     Saint Bernard versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Saint Bernard versus Norwegian Buhund     Saint Bernard versus Sloughi     Saint Bernard versus Irish Wolfhound     Saint Bernard versus Golden Retriever     Saint Bernard versus Black Mouth Cur     Saint Bernard versus Sheepadoodle     Saint Bernard versus Bich Poo     Saint Bernard versus Cockalier     Saint Bernard versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Saint Bernard versus Toy Fox Terrier     Saint Bernard versus French Spaniel     Saint Bernard versus Siberian Husky     Saint Bernard versus Bloodhound     Saint Bernard versus Puggle     Saint Bernard versus Bolognese     Saint Bernard versus Catahoula Bulldog     Saint Bernard versus Lakeland Terrier     Saint Bernard versus Patterdale Terrier     Saint Bernard versus Canaan Dog     

    Conclusion: Kai Ken versus Saint Bernard. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Kai Ken and the Saint Bernard better suits you and your family.